Help Chargers and cables???

[tjreishus]

I wanted to start this thread regarding several posts on slow charging. I'm not an expert at this so I was hoping others might be able to offer some expert help when it comes to buying extra chargers and cables for ourselves.

I've had to charge my N10 twice now already from dead. The first time was while the device was off and with the charger that came with it. It took about 4 hours to fully charge. The next time I did it with the device off again but used my samsung GS3 charger. When I checked it 8 hours later it was about 95 percent charged. It took more than twice as long to charge it.

I know many people including myself like to buy many different chargers. One for home, one for traveling, one for in the car, or maybe you like to strategically put many throughout the house. There are a lot of discount micro usb cables as well as wall chargers and car chargers available on Amazon and Ebay.

For all of us looking to get more chargers, what should we be looking for to make sure we are getting a full speed charge out of them?

1st, do cables make a difference or is it just the charger itself that is the limitation.

2nd, what watt or amperage should we look for?

Here are some that I thought would work. I typed in High output USB charger for the search.

Amazon.com: Mediabridge High Output Dual USB Car Charger For iPad and iPhone (3.1 Amp): Cell Phones & Accessories

Amazon.com: Mediabridge Portable Surge Protector with High Output USB Charger: Computers & Accessories

 

[Atma]

I've seen someone suggest the PowerGen Dual USB 3.1A. One of the reviwers there said it works fine with his Nexus 10.

I'm also considering something like this external battery pack.

From what I understand, generally, phones use 1 amp chargers and tablets 2 amp chargers. That would explain why your phone's charger is slower. I'm really not sure how much difference a cable makes. I would use the one that came with the N10 or one that is heavy duty.

 

[atg284]

Yeah when in doubt get the heavy duty cable. I bought some cheap chargers from eBay and long story short they were knockoffs so I got my money back. The sockets were under powered and even if I used the cheap cords with my OEM wall socket I could see in elixir that the current was lower than the cable that came with it.

You can still find cheaper ones on eBay just make sure they are heavy duty and try not to buy direct from china

 

[bobnpaty]

I have about a dozen USB chargers laying around the house. Never thought to look at them before but they all have the specs listed on them. The amperage on mine ranged from .5 amp (same as what your PC's USB port outputs) to .85 (in the ones I got with Motorola phones). My Nexus 10 didn't arrive yet but I'm guessing the supplied charger will be 1 amp or better.

 

[Sinistar83]

I have this Anker Astro 2 external charger I have been using with my Galaxy Nexus
Amazon.com: [Upgraded Version] Anker

 

[jhonb]

I have about a dozen USB chargers laying around the house. Never thought to look at them before but they all have the specs listed on them. The amperage on mine ranged from .5 amp (same as what your PC's USB port outputs) to .85 (in the ones I got with Motorola phones). My Nexus 10 didn't arrive yet but I'm guessing the supplied charger will be 1 amp or better.

It comes with a 2.1. The Nexus will still charge with a 1.0, but slower. Unlike a iPad, that will only charge with a 2.1.

 

[Harry2]

I have this Anker Astro 2 external charger I have been using with my Galaxy Nexus
Amazon.com: [Upgraded Version] Anker

 

[Deleted User]

Buy the POGO charger. it's worth every penny I think. The N10 has a HUGE battery. I wouldnt want to charge it in 1 hour (or SUPER fast) as to not damage the battery long term. thats just me.

Also, using it while charging it is very slow.

I suppose if you're rooted, you could find a new ROM/kernel that charges faster (but id be careful for the reason stated above)

Just my 2c.

 

[tjreishus]

I do have the pogo CABLE. Its just a cable so if you plug it into anything less than a 2.1 amp charger it will charge much slower.

 

[Sinistar83]

You can use the Anker with its 2A slot.
It just can't give the N10 a full charge, say it's would be able to charge it from 20% to 70%.

Harry

Cool thanks for the tip, maybe I'll invest in the other one at a later time

 

[Hardware Guy]

Hi guys,
I did some research on my Nexus-10 charging and placed it in the Nexus-7 forum because the issue was the same.
First about cables: There are no huge differences between them. My original Samsung cable don't even has ID pin on micro-USB connector. The gauge is important of course, but you could not get charging time doubled. If we calculate voltage drop on USB cable and using 6 feet 24 gauge cable for reference, then best case (1' of #24 cable) will increase current (and time) by 8% and worst case (6' of #28 cable) will decrease current by 15%.
Charging current defined by tablet software only. The charger only provides some feedback to software about it's ability by voltages on D+ and D- pins.
If your charger could not provide the current, then probably the tablet will be not charging at all.
I found only 3 charging current levels on my tablet: 500mA, 1A and 1.6A. (the numbers could vary depending on battery status)
Micro-USB connector, by the way has maximum specified current of 1.8A. I don't think Samsung exceed this requirement (a lot of liability issues).

Regards.

 

[t003]

I suggest you to use the original cable, the first time did take more to me, the second less, anyway is not something you may do in 20 minutes, then your battery will have a shorter life... do not use other device charger, it is not a good idea

 

[BynoUK]

I just use whatever charger I have to hand, might charge slower but never harmed the battery on mine at least.

In short if you need a quicker charge use the official one.

 

[jhonb]

I just use whatever charger I have to hand, might charge slower but never harmed the battery on mine at least.

In short if you need a quicker charge use the official one.

Agree, I have been using build in usb wall plugs for a few years and 99 cent eBay cables for years for all my devices. These wall sockets are great.

 

[t003]

good to know, I did read that if the tension is not the "best" the battery can have a shorter life, but I am happy to know that it is not true, thanks.